VENTURA (KABC) -- High surf and dangerous rip currents prompted the closure of several Southern California piers as officials warned beachgoers to stay out of the water amid hazardous ocean conditions.
High surf and high rip current warnings were in effect along Los Angeles County beaches, while Ventura Pier Beach closed the pier through Thursday. Protective berm construction is expected to begin Monday and extend about a mile along the shoreline.
"These waves are epic and El Niño proves it," said Brandi Kopp of Ventura.
Residents and visitors along the coast said the surf was significantly larger than usual.
"Normally it's like 2-3 feet, these look like 8-10 feet," said Ed McMichael of Ventura.
A high surf advisory remains in effect through Tuesday. Waves between 10 and 14 feet reached the top of the pier.
"This is unusually large swell," McMichael said.
Despite the dangerous conditions, some surfers entered the water while lifeguards patrolled nearby.
"It's not the best conditions but it's big and it's fun," one surfer said.
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